50% of people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed
Don't die prematurely - here is how you can reduce your risk of suffering from diabetes.
Diabetes is a killer!
It accounts for one in nine deaths among adults aged 20-79 years, reports Pub Med.
The publication also reports that the Africa region has the highest (73.1%) proportion of deaths attributable to diabetes in people under the age of 60 years.
Sadly, stats also show that although diabetes is so prevalent, 50% of people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed. This is why it is called the silent killer.
Sometimes there are no symptoms to show that you are suffering from diabetes, which is why doing regular screens is important. Don't wait until you are sick. You can even get the screening done in clinics.
READ: How to better manage diabetes
The most common diabetes is the type 2 and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin, or your glucose (blood sugar) is too high.
The good thing is that this type of diabetes can mostly be prevented through lifestyle changes.
It is paramount to take better care of your health by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Smoking and excessive drinking have also been proven to put one at risk of suffering from diabetes.
Diet is also very key in reducing the risk of diabetes. Experts recommend that your plate should be made of three parts. Half of the plate should be made up of none starchy vegetables such as cabbage, green peas, carrots, cucumber, mushroom, spinach etc. The one quarter should be healthy protein like meat, cheese, lentils, and chickpeas, and then the other quarter should be healthy carbs.
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Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.